Friday, October 17, 2003 (15)
GOD WAS. The scripture is speaking in relationship to the association that is found between the Father and the Son, when Paul said that God was in Christ. 2 Cor. 5:19 How can that Spiritual alliance be better explained than in the words of the Lord Jesus when He said, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me. John 14:10 A togetherness, a unity that is greater and far beyond anything to which we would compare it. A love and attachment that is eternal. In spite of such a majestic affinity, Jesus was in subjection to His Father, speaking and doing miracles as the Father directed Him. John 14:10 Jesus prayed for the same bond might be seen in His church. That identical glorious presence of God might dwell in them. John 17:23 Jesus prayed it, it is inconceivable that His prayer will not be completely and powerfully answered.
THE GOOD PLEASURE OF THE FATHER. That which pleased the Father was the fact that ALL FULNESS, the whole of the Godhead in absolute completion might dwell in the Lord Jesus. Since God is a Spirit [John 4:24] makes us to understand how such a coming together is possible. Col. 1:9 Just to seal the certainty of such a blessed companionship Paul identified Jesus as the dwelling place of the fulness of the Godhead. Col. 2:9 How could we possible ask for a stronger witness to the truth than that. It is a precious thing to be able to see the beautiful unity that exists in the Lord. It is even more of a wonder and marvel when we realize that we are called to participate in that same blessed harmonious kinship. It is the purpose of the Lord that just as the fulness of God was in Christ, so that very same, identical presence of all that God is would be manifest in His church. Filled, to capacity with all the fulness of the Lord. That is true family. That is the epitome of His love overwhelming His church. Eph. 3:19 In order to be His body, the same nature and being that makes God, God, indwelling the church and bringing her into full unity with the Lord. Eph. 1:23 Is it unreasonable to have such a grand vision for the church? Hardly, especially so when we see the challenge that is presented to us. We are exhorted to come to the unity of the faith, That is all preaching and teaching the same doctrine. Not impossible. We are all to possess a complete understanding and knowledge of the Son of God. Reaching a place, in Him, where we attain His perfection. That is true bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh. There is a goal that has been established for us and that is to reach “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Eph. 4:13 That is indeed a high standard, which with man would be impossible, but with our God all things are possible. The Lord does not set goals for us which are unreachable. There are two things which are imminent for the church of today. The first is a last day outpouring of the Spirit which will sweep millions into the kingdom of the Lord. The second is a move of sanctification and purification in the church which will accomplish the very will of the Lord of which we have written. It shall be.